The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best crib newborn cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler small cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last cot for sale many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.